The St. Louis Cardinals are off to their worst start since the 2017 season.
Six years ago, the Cardinals got off to a 2-6 start.
As of now, they stand at 2-4 after being swept at home by the Atlanta Braves.
Their starting pitching has been atrocious and currently ranks dead last in the National League with a 7.14 ERA.
However, not every aspect of the Cardinals is bad right now.
In fact, it’s quite the opposite for their offense.
Per Baseball Savant, the Cardinals rank at the top in all of baseball in hard-hit balls of 95 MPH or more with 87.
They are also third in average exit speed at 91.1 mph, while rookie sensation Jordan Walker is tied for fourth in hard-hit balls with 13.
#STLCards (2-4) are off to their worst start since 2017 (2-6). But their offense isn’t to blame:
* The Cards rank 1st in MLB in hard-hit balls (95 mph+) with 87, per Baseball Savant.
* Their average exit speed (91.1 mph) is 3rd.
* Jordan Walker T-4th in hard-hit balls (13).
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) April 7, 2023
The Cardinals may be off to a bad start, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some silver linings to be had.
The offense certainly is not to blame.
In fact, fans are feeling pretty good about the offense right now.
It’s the starting pitching that is causing problems.
But the team has to be encouraged by what they’ve seen on the offensive side.
Paul Goldschmidt is producing, and so are Tyler O’Neill, Dylan Carlson, Nolan Gorman, and Walker.
The team’s new catcher, Willson Contreras, has also provided some excellent defense, mirroring the newly retired Yadier Molina, so things aren’t all gloom and doom for the Cardinals.
However, the starting pitching will need to improve if they plan on defending their NL Central crown from the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs.
NEXT:
Cardinals Fans Are Already Thinking About Necessary Trades
